i've got a little giant 4-MDQX-SC sitting in my garage right now because it won't work. i can hear and feel it trying to turn the impeller but it can't for some reason. i suspect it is because the pump is rusty(had it sitting for over 5yrs and never oiled it) but i can't get into the motor to try and fix it. does anyone know how i can repair my pump? i've got a 180g in my backyard that i really want to set up but i don't have a return pump for it.
repairing little giant.
- Thread starter Danyal
- Start date
i've taken everything apart down to the motor, there isn't anythign wrong w/ the impeller(besides it being a bit worn) i can turn it by hand but when i plug it in the motor hums and everything just like it's trying to work. do you have a diagram or a good discription of where i can find the oil holes?
If it has oil holes, there are two of them located on the topside of the motor housing. One would be on the very top edge and the other on the bottom edge. Some of the LG pumps have sealed bearings and enclosed motors and cannot be oiled. They all run very hoty compared to many other brands. I have had several of these pumps go bad on me. The heat is probably a contributing factor. The sealed bearings develop leaks, the lube runs out and the motors sieze up with no way to oil them. If your pump does not have oil holes and the motor doesnt spin, the bearings have most likely leaked their lube and it is shot. You can send it back to LG for repair/replacement but you'd probably be better off buying a new one for what it will likely cost you. You can also buy a replacement motor which will save you a few bucks over a replacing the entire pump. I am not making any claims regarding the fitness of Little Giant pumps in general, I am just giving my experience with the LG pumps that I have owned over the past 20 years.
I have just had too many LG's over the years that have died because of the same reason. I wont buy another LG unless it has the oil holes and can be oiled. In fact, I recently switched out my 2 main pumps which were LG's to Blueline pumps. I cant comment on their long term durability but they cost less, run signifigantly quieter and much cooler as well. So far, I have no complaints and my chiller runs for 10 minutes less each cycle since switching pumps.
I have just had too many LG's over the years that have died because of the same reason. I wont buy another LG unless it has the oil holes and can be oiled. In fact, I recently switched out my 2 main pumps which were LG's to Blueline pumps. I cant comment on their long term durability but they cost less, run signifigantly quieter and much cooler as well. So far, I have no complaints and my chiller runs for 10 minutes less each cycle since switching pumps.
it does appear to have oil holes. it says on the pump to oil every 6 months using SAE 20 oil. there was a small hole a the top of the motor housing that appeared to be for oil, i stuck a paper clip down it and there was a little bit of oil on it. i couldn't find the other oil hole though, could it be the screw about 3" from the bottom of the motor housing?
Ive never seen a LG with oil holes other than on the top edge and bottom edge of the top side of the motor housing. But, if there is a hole 3" up from the bottom edge that looks just like the one at the top edge, it could be an oil hole is suppose. Not sure why they would put a screw in it though. Usually, they come with little rubber/plastic stopper plugs in each of the holes.
LG generally recommends a non-detergent 20 weight. They used to be readily available because older cars would have recommendations for non detergent oils (because of the motor seals I think). I haven't seen it around for a while. You should be fine using a general purpose oil with some weight to it. Something a bit heavier than the 3 in 1 oil although I have used that too, in a pinch.
Any off the stores you mention should have some type of suitable oil that is a little heavier than 3 in 1. Personally, I use that Dura-Lube stuff that comes in a pump-spray can. I pump some of it into a little cup and then suck it up with a syringe and put several drops into the oil holes. I'm not sure if LG would recommend this stuff so it's a use at your own risk kinda thing but I hadn't had any issues using the Dura-Lube with the LG pumps that I owned that were oilable.
